decorative art

American  

noun

1. art that is meant to be useful as well as beautiful, as ceramics, furniture, jewelry, and textiles.

2. Usually decorative arts. any of the arts, as ceramics or jewelry making, whose works are created to be useful.

3. works of decorative art collectively.

---

Etymology

Origin of decorative art

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

decorative art

Prints, paintings and works of decorative art document the philosophies, pivotal events and major figures of the time, from the Boston Massacre and Paul Revere to indigenous conflicts and George Washington.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 18, 2026

While borrowing freely from the French decorative art vocabulary popularized by the Exposition, Seattle architects also incorporated distinct Pacific Northwest images.

From Seattle Times ● Jun. 3, 2023

He was also navigating the minefield of cultural appropriation: Would such decorative art assume a different significance when used by an African, African-American or white photographer in a shoot?

From New York Times ● Dec. 3, 2020

The Shenandoah Valley Scrollers carve out wood and other materials with a scroll saw to create everything from spoons, boxes and trivets, to beautiful and intricate decorative art pieces.

From Washington Times ● Jun. 4, 2017

In all ages when decorative art has flourished, ceilings have been decorated.

From Principles of Decorative Design Fourth Edition by Dresser, Christopher